He whistled as he walked, enjoying the wild Gardenias and Bluebells that lined the edge of the dirt path that led into the main Neopian Shops. In his pocket jingled a fair amount of Neopoints.

Zoemer turned a corner and a sudden shiver ran through him. He sensed someone behind him and quickly turned around. Empty. The alley was deserted and the wind's echoes was the only sound to be heard. He turned back with new caution and walked on. The eerie feeling remained, and with sudden awareness, he noticed how empty the streets were this morning, and how the deep fog had suddenly overturned the previously shining sun.

With a shake of his head, Zoemer walked on, ignoring the feeling that he was being followed. He turned left at the fork of the path to head for the Food and Book Shop. Upon arrival, his heart lightened at all the fellow Neopians and Neopets shopping around. His mood eased at the sight of company.

"Good mornin' Zoemer!" said Farmer Grey. Zoemer returned the greeting, and Farmer Grey headed off for the Food Shop while Zoemer stepped inside the Food Shop. Funny, he thought to himself. I would swear that there are usually a whole lot more people here in the morning....

Zoemer quickly purchased some Lowfat Milk and several Neggs, as well as some Churros for a quick snack and a Cheese Tortilla for lunch. Lifting the almost-bursting bag of groceries, Zoemer continued his trip down the road, heading for the tunnel that lead into the Deep Catacombs.

Lets see... I'll need to buy some more Breakfast Tea, and some Coffee. And I should pick up the latest Neopian Times while I'm there. Maybe I should pick up the Learn-to-Draw guides too... Zoemer stepped into the stone tunnel that was a shortcut from the main shops to the Catacombs. It was unusually dark, probably due to the heavy fog that day. Too dark to see the shadows creeping up on Zoemer....

Several hours later...

Corporal Kougra: "Negative, sir. We have small signs of struggle. There is a basket of groceries on the floor here; some Churros, a Cheese Tortilla or so, a couple of neggs, and some spilled milk. Got all over my uniform... hmmph.. - Oh, yeah, we have secured the area. No sign of any suspicious people. Witnesses? No, sir. We checked the area, but no one had seen a thing. All we have is a basket of groceries, and a wallet with some identification, belongs to a...Zoemer. Zoemer somebody...It could well be a kidnapping, sir.

Commander Chia: "Kidnapping, my foot. Bet some fool of a Neopet wanted some action and picked up this... this - Zoemer - and whisked him off for tea and biscuits. No such evidence that this is a real issue, Corporal."

Captain Scorchio: "Commander, this is Captian Scorchio. I've called the residence in question and the maid reported that Mr. Zoemer left this morning for shopping and hasn't returned since. He is apparently never this late. We could have a real problem here."

Corporal Kougra: "Hold on sir, we've found a note! Give it here, Sergeant, I'm on the line with the Commander. It says, well, oh dear, you'd better come here yourself sir. We've got a problem..."